The holidays are over and the New Year is underway.

If you have decide to clean out the house for a fresh start to 2015, then Lee County Solid Waste has some earth-friendly tips for reusing and recycling those items you no longer want or need.

– In the kitchen: Old dishes, glassware, pots and pans and silverware and can be donated to any of the charitable organizations operating thrift stores. If beyond use, place with regular garbage; they do not go in the recycle bin.

Old or outdated cleaning products that are marked with words such as “caustic, flammable or caution” should be brought to the Lee County Solid Waste Annex, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, for safe and proper disposal.

– In the bathroom:?Old towels are always welcomed donations at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers.

– In the bedroom: Old sheets, blankets, etc. can be donated to a local charitable organization or placed with regular garbage.

Old furniture can be donated or placed at the curb for regular trash collection day.

Gently loved toys can be donated. Pet-appropriate toys can be donated to Lee County Animal Services. Toys in poor condition should be placed in the garbage.

Clothes can be donated; they do not go in your recycle bin.

– In the living room/den: Old televisions, DVDs, gaming systems, etc. can be placed at the curb next to regular garbage.

Old books in good condition are welcomed donations to the Lee County Library System.

Old furniture can be donated or placed curbside.

– In the garage:?Old or outdated chemicals such as fertilizers, pool chemicals, motor oil, paint and pesticides should be brought to the Lee County Solid Waste Annex, at 6641 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, for safe and proper disposal or recycling. Old batteries can also be dropped off at the annex.

Old car tires – two per week – can be placed curbside with regular garbage.

– From the pool: Old pool toys need to be placed in the garbage.

Old pool chemicals should be brought to the Lee County Solid Waste Annex, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers.

For questions, call Lee County Solid Waste customer service at (239) 533-8000.

Source: Lee County Solid Waste